Anyone who has had the privilege of living with a beloved pet would do anything in their power to keep them safe. The idea that something could happen beyond our control is frightening and many pet owners are unsure of what to do in an emergency. More knowledge and hands-on practice in emergencies create better prepared owners. Learning experiences such as the Lost Animal and Animal CPR Workshop offered in Carmichaels, Pennsylvania provide the perfect opportunity to get both knowledge and experience.
The workshop offered classes that taught the audience how to care for their pets in emergency situations and the best methods of searching for lost animals. The classes offered priceless hands-on first aid experience that could save beloved pets. This workshop was a combined effort from Greene CART (County Animal Rescue Team), Teddy Bear Care, Inc. and the Carmichaels and Cumberland Township Volunteer Fire Department, where the event was held.
Within the workshop there were three classes: Missing Animal Response and Emergencies, Animal CPR/First Aid/Oxygen Administration, and What does a Humane Police Officer Do?
The first class, Missing Animal Response, was about lost animals and how to rescue them. Susan Levy of Somerset CART taught skills in finding and rescuing animals and what type of bait to use to lure them into a humane trap. She uses a technique called LAST (Leads, Attract, Surveil, Trap).
The second class, CPR/First Aid, taught first aid for pets such as treating small wounds and full-on CPR. Karen Sable of Westmoreland CART taught animal CPR. She instructed the group on pet oxygen administration, rescue breathing, burns, bleeding, heatstroke, choking, poisoning and much more.
The final class, about humane police officers, taught the audience how to get help, depending on the type of animal emergency. Robin Leighty, humane police officer of Greene and Fayette counties, explained the different roles of the dog warden, local police, state police and humane police. Robin advised which officer should be called for issues such as neglect, abuse, breach of Libre Law, aggressive animals and more.
Lucille DeFrank, one of the event organizers said, “I would like to thank the Carmichaels and Cumberland Township Volunteer Fire Department for providing their amazing community hall and projection equipment free of charge. Also, Greene CART for bringing down our trailer full of animal rescue equipment and supplies for attendees to tour.”
Lucille also offered a valuable tip that might save an animal. “When an indoor-only cat escapes, almost all of those cats will be found within a two-house area around the cat’s home…the cat will be hiding and will almost never come when called even by their owner. The best way to find an escapee is to go out at night and look under, inside, and behind objects around your house and the houses closest to you. Shine a flashlight to see eye reflection. Dogs run and run but cats hide close to home.”
This priceless Lost Animal and Animal CPR class was first offered in 2019 and held again in June 2022. To show interest in future Lost Animal and Animal CPR classes you may contact Greene County Animal Rescue Team at cart.greene@gmail.com or Donna Roberts at 724-998-6491.